Health hub gears up a year ahead of opening

WATERFORD’S new School of Health Science is already gearing up to be a major hub for research, undergraduate and postgraduate study, a full year ahead of its opening to students.

The head of the newly-established School at Waterford Institute of Technology, Dr Eric Martin, is confident overseas and Irish students will do invaluable research there while studying nursing, exercise and health as well as recreation and leisure programmes.

The School’s introduction is timely given the increased recognition at national and international level of the importance of delivering high-quality yet affordable healthcare and on promoting healthy lifestyles that reduce the risk of illness and premature death, he said.

“Health and related issues currently dominate the political and media agenda in Ireland and this is perhaps unsurprising given their societal importance.

“Issues such as how best to roll out cancer treatments in the regions; the recruitment and retention of highly educated health science personnel and the nature of practice figure prominently in our media and in day-to-day debate.

“At the same time, people are increasingly encouraged to take personal responsibility for their lifestyle choices and to be aware of the impact these have on their health,” Dr Martin said.

With a team of 50 lecturers and support staff, the School will provide education in the 2005-06 academic year to 1,000 undergraduates while a considerable number of students will start and continue postgraduate education and research work in several specialities.